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The biggest issue with using BTV isnt the trade value. Those are largely based on projections by companies like Steamer. The issue is whether or not both sides actually want the players involved. For example, Wilyer Abreu has roughly the same value as Dalton Rushing. Now the Sox were linked to Rushing tjis past deadline. The Dodgers have Will Smith locked up long term. And had corner OF issues this past year to the point where they even out Rushing in the OF. So why not an actual outfielder? Would both teams agree to this trade? And both projected to be equal using their performance/salary projection system. But really, who knows? The Dodgers might now view Pages and Hernandez as corner OF starters. And Dave Robert’s refuses at times to pigeonhole a player in a position just because he can field it an elite level. That he has a Gold Glove middle infielder in the OF while his Gold Glove outfielder plays middle infield will always befuddle me… It seems to make sense for both teams. And the values are right there. But does either side want this? Only way to know is ask the CBOs…

Criswell is out of options, which makes for a difficult trade given his fringe talent level. I believe soxprospects is projecting him in the Boston 2026 roster, but that’s probably just filling in a blank in the only place they can put him…

BTV gives them similar value based on projected WAR and projected salary. No website can tell you whether or not either team will accept the trade, Those are different things altogether..,

Who? That deal is escaping me. Tanner Scott did fetch an elite one from San Diego. Thats probably the biggest deal for a reliever I can think of offhand…

That might be the worst comp I’ve seen on that site. Usually they also line up the positions better. Like the most similar hitter to a catcher is rarely a shortstop or an outfielder. If they had, say Luis Arraez on there, I’d like the match better. Verdugo just does not hit like Yandy at all, at least not at the Major League level. (Arraez is better than Diaz, but the difference between the two feels closer than Verdugo-Diaz.)

I thought you agreed with his assessment of Diaz’ value. If not, then what are you saying Diaz is worth giving up for in a deal? I think they can drop a pitcher. I’d be disappointed in Breslow if he dealt a top 100 pitching prospect like Witherspoon, Clarke, or Tolle, or even Perales for a $12mill rental 1b/DH. I expect the pitchers already on the 40 man are a greater risk to be traded. My theory is Harrison headlines that list. Not sure what the Sox think about Tolle…

Clarke? A top 100 pitching prospect for a $12mill rental /DH?

I gave justification for the Lowe comparison using WAR and awards, and didn’t use stats that didn’t exist at the time. While I do not agree his K rate justified ignoring the trade completely as a value comp, let’s find another. B-R lists Diaz’ most similar hitter as Alex Verdugo (How!?!?! I don’t get that one, but here we are). With the same control and less money, Verdugo was dealt for Fitts and Weissert plus. Could the Sox get Diaz for a similar package? If so, we’re looking at some sort of Mullins/Uberstine type thing here. (Weissert was reportedly a throw-in DFA candidate as NY needed to clear a 40 man roster spot.) Projections don’t justify anything close to Witherspoon. Does any trade in recent history?

I have said multiple times they will move one of Duran or Abreu. And I reserve the right to flip-flop all off-season for on the better one to deal. But even if they moved both, they don’t need another OF. Despite that many have probably given up on Kristian Campbell, he isn’t dead. In fact, that he only has 260 career plate appearances and a $60mill contract absolutely keeps him in the picture. (His return to AAA was certainly statistically unsuccessful, but was he making adjustments and working on something? If so, it can definitely make his stats look worse in multiple ways.) Also Password is still on the team, but as he is a top 100 prospect, on the 40 man roster, and possibly 6th on the OF depth chart, it is quite possible he gets traded. Imagine if Campbell’s does take over LF. Password would be a top 100 prospect behind 3 players all signed thru 2032 at a minimum…

Actually you did say the Sox should get him and also agreed it would cost Witherspoon plus for him. Myself and mvp called that a massive overpay. Sure I get you think other teams will drive up the price. It is certainly possible, but that doesn’t change what is a fair deal or not. And I don’t think so many teams will be tossing around top 100 pitching prospects like their Washington quarters. Especially since 1b and DH are not tough positions to fill without doing so. As I pointed out, last year Nate Lowe went for the bullpen equivalent of pocket change…

The Sox could and should move an OF to fill a void in the INF if possible. But spending heavily on the OF is very unlikely. Some pundits have posed Tucker getting $500mill. I consider that debatable. But $350mill minimum is a guarantee. I don’t see the Sox spending that much at a position in which they are fairly well set…

Witherspoon for Diaz is a redraft fantasy trade where money, years and position don’t matter…

And as you are the one who suggested acquiring Diaz, I assume you support the Sox trading Witherspoon plus others for one year of Diaz?

I’m sure they are going to WANT elite potential. But it’s unrealistic that they expect it. Diaz (whose most similar hitter per B-R is Alex Verdugo, which surprised me, too). Diaz has a Silver Slugger and been worth 5.0 bWAR in the past two seasons. Last year, the younger, cheaper Nate Lowe was coming off a similar 5.6bWAR over the previous two seasons, owned a Silver Slugger AND a Gold Glove and was traded by Texas to Washington for Robert Garcia, a 29yo fringey middle reliever. Not even the RP equivalent of Hamilton and a player not worthy of the 40 man roster of every team. Even if you like Diaz better than the more-decorated Lowe, I don’t see how the difference between the two can be justified by the gap between Kyle Witherspoon and Robert Garcia…

The Yankees made blunders, too. In no way should Sogard have been able to beat a good throw for Judge to 2b. The Sox disc Whats got them there after Anthony went down; they pitched. And their pitching limited the best offense in the AL to 9 runs in 3 games…

Sandlin might be the only player Boston protects…

And none of those teams try to operate on a $50mill payroll. He makes for a decent strong side platoon for a small market team. Tampa should definitely be interested in Hamilton. Not sure they give up Diaz, but it’s also not uncommon for players in Diaz’ position to be dealt for A-ball talent that Peter’s out in AA, as well….

The more I look into this, the more I realize Hamilton for Diaz is not as bad as you claim. Diaz will be 34, make $12mill next season, and averages 3.3 bWAR per 162 games. Hamilton will be 28, is still pre-arb, excels in speed and defense (at 2b), has 4 years of control left, and averages 2.9 bWAR per 162. (What do you always say about small differences in WAR?) Yes, Diaz is a better hitter. But other factors certainly matter. In no iteration of this pan-dimensional multiverse is Jalen Beeks as good as Nathan Eovaldi, either. Tampa may or may not accept a deal like this. They may get better offers. But Hamilton is absolutely a fit for their small ball style. I can’t speak for Tampa (though I still suspect they prefer Harrison), but this deal isnt as outrageous as it looks at first glance. But as you brought up Diaz, what do you think is a fair deal? Let’s assume no other team made offers…

Money, years and WAR. Comparing Yandy Diaz to Josh Hamilton is probably more egregious than comparing David Hamilton to Yandy. Don’t forget it’s one year it’s one year of Diaz at $12million vs 4 years of pre-arb David Hamilton. We are talking about Tampa; money matters. Our last first baseman had a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger, but you described him as “released from a last place team.” Now Silver Sluggers matter? Hamilton has a rough year tjis year and fans treated him like he didn’t belong in MLB. But he was pretty good last year - worth more WAR than Yandy Diaz despite playing some 60 fewer games. See, and I thought it would be Harrison for Diaz. But you’ve convinced me; it should be David Hamilton. Despite that being a slight overpay…

Really isnt that true about every pitcher? Giolito had some injuries in Boston, but he was actually one of the most durable starting pitchers in MLB before signing with Boston…

Tucker really shouldn’t be on Boston’s radar anyway. The infield is where the vacancies are…

In the last 3 years, Tucker is worth 13.6 fWAR. In the same timeframe, Duran is worth 13.3 fWAR. (Post is about Abreu, but he doesn’t even have 3 years.) Tucker could easily get $250mill, maybe more. Not sure I like the idea of trading Duran to replace him with an equivalent player just so I can trade Duran for some other need. Just spend on that other need…

The only point that matters is the last one. If Philly doesn’t make the right offer, Schwarber isn’t going to stay. He didn’t hire an agent to get him a job that prioritizes playing on a consistent contender…

First of all, 4 NL teams better than any AL team? Who? And Seattle as the best AL team? I will say, Toronto’s SP is more beat up than Boston’s right now. Healthy, they can hang with LA. But I don’t think they are going to be healthy even if they make it that far. The Yankees are a lot like the Dodgers. Both teams have solid lineups (edge: NY), good rotations (edge: LA) and exploitable bullpens…

Early was outstanding. He gave up 4 runs in an inning where the hardest hit ball was a routine grounder to short (unless the SS happens to be up the middle for a DP).